Asia Key Findings

Economic Cost

As with previous reports, OBP was limited in its ability to calculate an economic figure due to the complexity of shipping patterns and the difficulty in isolating dedicated counter-piracy patrols of regional naval and law enforcement agencies.

Kidnap-for-ransom incidents in Asia decreased by 80%, in large part due to the effective cooperation by regional law enforcement actors.

The value of stolen ship stores, crew belongings, and cargo is estimated at $6.3 million, up from $4.5 million in 2016.

62 incidents occurred at anchor, in part explaining the increase in value of stolen goods.

Human Cost

OBP calculated that 1908 seafarers were affected by piracy and armed robbery during 99 incidents in 2017, down from 2283 in 2016.

Kidnappings were down from 67 seafarers in 2016 to 16 in 2017, reflecting the success of the trilateral patrols whose mission includes countering piracy and armed robbery and prohibiting the flow of armed militants around the Sulu and Celebes Sea region.

The longest captivity duration in 2017 was 264 days. The shortest was 4 days.

At least 6 seafarers who were kidnapped in incidents during 2016 were killed in captivity throughout 2017—bringing the total number of seafarers killed to at least 17.

Pirate Activity

2017 is the third year in a row where OBP has observed a decrease in the number of overall incidents.

The number of hijackings for cargo theft remained at the same level as in 2016, with 3 occurring in both years.